Susan Granger’s review of “THE MUMMY RETURNS” (Universal Pictures)
It’s the first purely escapist popcorn picture of the summer, a brainless, fast-paced action sequel, set in 1933, after the dashing soldier-of-fortune Rick O’Connell (Brendan Fraser) wooed and wed Evelyn, the feisty, fearless Egyptologist (Rachel Weisz). They now live in London with their eight-year old son Alex (Freddie Boath). The new adventure begins when Evelyn has visions about an ancient warrior, known as the Scorpion King (WWF wrestler, The Rock), who sold his soul to the evil god Anubis in return for an invincible army of jackal-headed soldiers – hounds from hell – who are awaiting re-birth under the sand dunes. She also discovers she’s a reincarnated princess, Nefertiri (Filmmakers decided not to use “Nefertiti” because of the obvious breast jokes). Meanwhile, there’s an evil cult raising the spirit of Imhotep, the murderous Mummy (Arnold Vosloo), led by his lover (Patricia Velasquez), plus a mysterious Berber (Oded Fehr) and, of course, Evelyn’s greedy brother (John Hannah), still swiping valuable souvenirs. Written and directed by Stephen Sommers (“The Mummy”), there’s not a shred of originality in the entire concept; in fact, so much is “borrowed” from “Indian Jones and the Last Crusade” that it should, at least, be advertised as a homage. On the plus side, there’s rousing martial arts matches between the two women (reminiscent of “Crouching Tiger”) and cool computer-generated visual effects by Industrial Light & Magic, like the dirigible, and creepy pygmy demons who resemble demented members of the Lollipop League a la “Wizard of Oz.” On the Granger Movie Gauge of 1 to 10, “The Mummy Returns” is a campy, frenzied 5. It’s eye-candy aimed at a PG-13 audience and plays like a big-screen video game. Or, better yet, a new ride at Universal’s Orlando theme park.
